Five-striped sparrow

The five-striped sparrow is a medium-sized sparrow. It is the only member of the genus Amphispizopsis. It was formerly classified in the genus Amphispiza with the black-throated sparrow.

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Distribution

Region

Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico

Typical Environment

Primarily inhabits rocky desert canyons, arroyos, and steep slopes with dense thornscrub and desert shrubs such as ocotillo and mesquite. Prefers areas with scattered cacti and brushy cover where it can forage on or near the ground. Most common in northwestern Mexico (Sonora and Sinaloa) and locally in southern Arizona. Often keeps close to cover and uses boulder-strewn washes for nesting and feeding.

Altitude Range

100–1600 m

Climate Zone

Arid

Characteristics

Size14–16 cm

Wing Span20–24 cm

Male Weight0.019 kg

Female Weight0.018 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The five-striped sparrow is a localized desert songbird and the sole member of the genus Amphispizopsis. It favors steep, rocky arroyos with dense thorn scrub, making it more often heard than seen. In the United States it occurs mainly in a few canyons of southern Arizona, with most of its range in northwestern Mexico.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

secretive and skulking

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating hops between shrubs

Social Behavior

Usually found singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in dense shrubs or cacti within rocky washes. Pairs are territorial and remain close to cover while foraging. Outside breeding, small loose groups may form locally.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

A clear, ringing series of whistles and trills delivered from low perches within canyons. Calls include sharp, dry chips used for contact and alarm.

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Identification

Leg Colorpinkish to flesh-colored

Eye Colordark brown

Plumage

Overall gray to gray-brown body with plain, minimally streaked upperparts and a paler gray breast. Face shows bold contrasting stripes with a clean whitish throat. Wings and tail are dark with subtle rufous or cinnamon edging.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Consumes small seeds of desert grasses and forbs, supplemented seasonally with insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and ants. During breeding, animal matter increases to meet protein demands. Will also take small berries when available.

Preferred Environment

Forages on the ground and in low shrubs within rocky arroyos and thornscrub. Frequently searches around boulders, leaf litter, and the bases of cacti where seed and insects accumulate.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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